The wait is over, Rivero eligible to begin playing

Commerce City, Colo. - By means of a fax sent from FIFA Headquarters in Switzerland to the U.S. Soccer Federation in Chicago, Illinois, then forwarded to Major League Soccer in New York City, and emailed to Colorado Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo, the club was informed today that Argentinian midfielder Martin Rivero has been cleared to begin playing.

Since signing with the Rapids on February 16, 2012, Rivero has remained ineligible as he awaited the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to be sent from the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) to the U.S. Soccer Federation. With U.S. Soccer's request for the ITC not granted by AFA, the Federation requested FIFA's assistance in registering Rivero to play in the United States.

Monday morning, FIFA faxed a ruling signed by General Secretary Jerome Valcke approving the decision of FIFA's Single Judge of Players' Status Committee, Geoff Thompson, authorizing U.S. Soccer to provisionally register Rivero with the Rapids effective immediately.

Rivero is now eligible for selection to play in any game with the Colorado Rapids, and could potentially make his debut Sunday when the Rapids host the Chicago Fire at 5 pm MT at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS).